Election 2013 TO BE DELETED

3 villages elect new mayors

November 9, 2011

Although the current mayors in the villages of Beverly, Lowell and New Matamoras hoped to remain in those positions, all three will be replaced by those who ran against them in the November general election.

Rex Kenyon, who ran against incumbent Clem Biedenbach, threw his arms around his wife and current Beverly council member Beth Kenyon when he learned Tuesday evening that he had won the race.

"That was close," he told her.

A total of 51.26 percent of the voters in the village voted for Kenyon, while 48.74 percent voted for Biedenbach.

Biedenbach has served as mayor of the village since 2006. Kenyon is currently a member of the village's board of public affairs.

"I was pleasantly surprised at the results. The people made a statement as to what type of government they want," Kenyon said. "The primary goal is to make sure people have a say in the government and have an opportunity to express their desires and what they want the community to look like. I want to be a facilitator for their aspirations."

Kenyon acknowledged that some obstacles lie ahead for the village, including its aging water and sewer lines, as well as job loss that may come about as a result of the possible closure of four of the five generators at American Electric Power's Muskingum River Plant in Beverly.

"We'll try to improve the infrastructure of the village so we have good infrastructure to attract businesses and can provide jobs for the residents," he said.

In Lowell, 68.69 percent of voters voted for David Pitzer, while 31.31 percent voted for longtime mayor Doug Seese.

Pitzer has served on Lowell Village Council for almost four years while Seese has served as mayor for almost 12 years.

Pitzer said he was "pleased" with the outcome.

"The mayor had been the acting mayor for 12 years and he's done a good job but the residents felt a change was needed," he said.

Lowell resident Elizabeth Rubrake disagreed.

"I am satisfied with the way things are going in Lowell," she said.

Pitzer said he has already established three priorities he will focus on as mayor.

"We need to focus on our finances - the funding is reducing so therefore we need to monitor expenditures (and) we need to focus on infrastructure with the sewer and water (because) we have some outdated systems," he said.

Pitzer said he will also focus on communicating with council members and residents.

"Being a public servant to the community, we are chosen to make the appropriate decisions for our residents," he said.

Dennis Agin, who has served as mayor of New Matamoras for four years, was defeated by John Schmidt, who previously served as mayor of the village and president of the village's council.

A total of 52.03 percent of the voters in the village voted for Schmidt, while 47.97 percent voted for Agin.

Village resident Charles Cochran is among those who voted for Agin.

"He's done a good job," he said.

Schmidt said he was thankful he was elected.

"I thank the residents who have entrusted me to bring forth my ideas and I would like to invite anyone to step up and help me and the village council to improve our village," Schmidt said. "When I do anything I try to do my best. I give the village 110 percent and I did that for a lot of years (and) there are a lot of people out there that know that's just how (I am)."

Schmidt noted that his priorities are to keep village residents - especially children - safe and secure grant money for important projects and needs.

"I want grant money for this village for water lines, sewer lines, police protection, fire protection and the pool," he said.